Food, in its simplest form, is a common denominator, something we all need to survive. In the right hands and with deep care, however, eating transcends pure necessity and becomes a shared experience, something which creates and deepens community. Something which feeds the soul as well as the body. Alexis Starkey has opened Fedwell, her new restaurant, to provide DC diners with an opportunity to connect to their neighborhood and each other, all while enjoying a delicious meal.
Located at 821 Upshur Street NW, Fedwell serves what Starkey refers to as “farm-to-table comfort food”. The restauranter cut her teeth with a catering company called Farm to Feast, which she ran for 14 years before launching this next chapter of her hospitality journey.
“We were thinking of it as a community space, so you can come with your kids, you can come with your friends later” she tells What Now DC of her vision for the space. “The idea is that you would not just feed your stomach but feed your psyche as well.”
Fedwell’s menu takes advantage of seasonal ingredients, another opportunity for the restaurant to participate in its local community and economy. Starkey describes the cuisine, stating “We work with local farmers as much as possible and we let the seasons dictate. My general idea of cooking is the vegetables and the quality of the food should be so good that we don’t need to drown it in sauce.”
Starkey brings an artist’s eye and imagination to her fare. She explains “We want to put it together in an interesting way and have it taste fantastic. Right now, we are vegetable forward, so if you are inclined to being plant-based you can find some things to eat, done in a creative and interesting way.”
Great food is the jumping off point for Fedwell’s mission. Starkey anchors her civic action in nurturing cuisine, but doesn’t stop at filling stomachs. Fedwell has invited laid-off federal workers to come in after 7 pm to enjoy a free drink, half-priced food, or to simply enjoy a moment of camaraderie in difficult times.
Additionally, the eatery will host a family-style Sunday dinner once a month, with changing cuisine. Further information is available on Fedwell’s Events page.
There has never been a better time for burger fans to check out the restaurant; starting Monday, March 31, Fedwell is launching half-priced burger Mondays.
Above all else, Fedwell is demonstrating its commitment to its neighborhood through action and, of course, the power of delicious food. Starkey sums up the restaurant’s purpose beautifully, saying: “Petworth is a community and Fedwell wants to support our community and DC in general. We’re really happy to be here; this little corner is such a little paradise.”
